I worked in the mainframe computer field for over 25 years. It is hard for me to comprehend the amount of resources it takes to run a single user PC. I can remember when an entire corporation could run on an IBM mainframe with only 16 meg (not GIG, but MEG) of memory. The operating system, to handle hundreds of users and run batch programs, only took up about 8 meg. Our online programs were designed to be no more than 12k in size.
The amount of resources required to run a PC have simply gotten out of control. Because of my situation (spending time in multiple locations) I still use a dial-up connection, which allows me to only pay for one account and access it anywhere. eBay is no longer an option as the response time and memory required far outpaces the machines I dedicate to the internet.
A single IE 6 session on my PC uses close to 500 meg just to access eBay. And pegs the processor at 100%.
I use old machines that others no longer want in order to access the internet. My internet machines are occassionally replaced with "newer" machines when they become available. I don't do anything fancy, so they should be fine. However, the resources required (for both the operating system and web sites) have now far outpaced the power of any of these machines. Most will go to 256 meg of physical memory, which is simply not enough.
My first machine was a 486/33 running DOS with 8 meg of memory. Except for upgrading to 32meg years ago, and adding in larger (2 gig) hard drives, I still use that machine for all personal record keeping. And you know what? It still does all I need and more running DOS and Windows 3.1. I have tons of unused disk space, the machine NEVER crashes and the software is old enough that you can still understand most of the functions.
There is clearly a need for an ongoing maintainable operating system and internet browser that don't require NASA sized supercomputers to do simple tasks. Computers are being thrown away that are perfectly good, yet the software makes them obsolete.
In the mainframe world, we used to have to write programs to run within the capabilities of the machine. In the PC world, the user is forced to buy more and larger hardware to run the programs. In the mainframe world, a program written 40 years ago will still run on today's hardware and software. In fact, new software often results in better memory usage. In the PC world, a new operating system may well mean those old programs are obsolete.
It's insane.